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Data Recovery Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Customer Care Representative

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Outbound call follow-up * Working directly with data recovery engineers to report engineers' findings * Answering questions about the technical process of data recovery and associated pricing If you ...

... and archaeological data recovery excavation. * Effectively and professionally communicates with specialists, contractors, and developers. * Updates and creates new ideas for the Worker ...

... and archaeological data recovery excavation. * Effectively and professionally communicates with specialists, contractors, and developers. * Updates and creates new ideas for the Worker ...

... and archaeological data recovery excavation. * Effectively and professionally communicates with specialists, contractors, and developers. * Updates and creates new ideas for the Worker ...

... and archaeological data recovery excavation. * Effectively and professionally communicates with specialists, contractors, and developers. * Updates and creates new ideas for the Worker ...

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Showing results 1-20

Data Recovery Engineer information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$128K

$175.2K

How much do data recovery engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for data recovery engineer in California is $128,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $135,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Data Recovery Engineer vs Data Storage Technician?

AspectData Recovery EngineerData Storage Technician
CredentialsCertifications like CDFA, CompTIA Storage+Certifications like CompTIA Storage+ or vendor-specific
Work EnvironmentData recovery labs, IT departments, forensic labsData centers, server rooms, IT support environments
Industry UsageIT, cybersecurity, forensic analysisIT, enterprise storage management
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to data recovery and repairManaging and maintaining data storage systems

While both roles involve working with data systems, Data Recovery Engineers focus on retrieving lost or damaged data from storage devices, often requiring forensic skills. Data Storage Technicians manage and maintain storage hardware and systems. The roles overlap in certifications and work environments but differ in primary responsibilities.

What are some common challenges a data recovery engineer faces during the recovery process?

Data Recovery Engineers often encounter challenges such as dealing with physically damaged storage devices, working with proprietary or outdated file systems, and ensuring data integrity throughout the recovery process. They must use specialized tools in cleanroom environments to prevent further damage to sensitive hardware. Additionally, engineers frequently collaborate with clients and IT teams to understand data priorities and provide clear communication about what data can realistically be recovered. Staying updated with evolving storage technologies and encryption methods is also crucial for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data recovery engineer?

To thrive as a Data Recovery Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, data storage systems, and file system architecture, often supported by a degree in IT or related certifications. Familiarity with data recovery software, hardware imaging tools, and disk forensics platforms is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately diagnosing data loss issues and ensuring the safe and effective recovery of critical information for clients.

How do you become a data recovery engineer?

To become a data recovery engineer, you typically need a background in computer science, information technology, or a related field, along with knowledge of file systems, storage devices, and data recovery tools. Gaining experience through certifications such as Certified Data Recovery Professional (CDRP) and hands-on practice with hardware and software recovery techniques is also important.

What does a data recovery engineer do?

A Data Recovery Engineer specializes in retrieving lost, corrupted, or inaccessible data from various storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and servers. They use advanced tools and techniques to recover data after accidental deletion, hardware failure, software corruption, or cyberattacks. These professionals may also provide advice on best practices for data backup and protection to prevent future data loss. Their work is essential for businesses and individuals who need to recover important files quickly and securely.
Infographic showing various Data Recovery Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,018 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Data Recovery Engineer - Windows Platform

DriveSavers Data Recovery

Novato, CA โ€ข On-site

$134K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
DriveSavers Data Recovery is seeking a Data Recovery Engineer with a focus on the Windows platform. The role involves providing IT and desktop support while learning the intricacies of data recovery. Candidates should have a passion for technology and excellent customer service skills to assist clients effectively.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข 1-2 years experience in an IT / Desktop Support environment with an emphasis on corporate support
โ€ข Experience with encryption software is a plus
โ€ข Knowledge of MS Office products
โ€ข Maintains knowledge of current technology
โ€ข Experience and understanding of computer hardware components for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes
โ€ข Using Terminal to complete tasks
โ€ข Must have passion for staying ahead of current and future technologies
โ€ข Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
โ€ข Great customer service skills are required as you will need to work with customers over the phone on some projects
โ€ข Strong attention to detail
โ€ข Able to work independently as well as part of a team
โ€ข Able to analyze and evaluate customer needs
โ€ข Able to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข 1-2 years experience in an IT / Desktop Support environment with an emphasis on corporate support
โ€ข Experience with encryption software is a plus
โ€ข Knowledge of MS Office products
โ€ข Maintains knowledge of current technology
โ€ข Experience and understanding of computer hardware components for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes
โ€ข Using Terminal to complete tasks
โ€ข Must have passion for staying ahead of current and future technologies
โ€ข Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
โ€ข Great customer service skills are required as you will need to work with customers over the phone on some projects
โ€ข Strong attention to detail
โ€ข Able to work independently as well as part of a team
โ€ข Able to analyze and evaluate customer needs
โ€ข Able to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Company:
DriveSavers Data Recovery provides certified secure data recovery services to corporations, government organizations, businesses, and consumers. Founded in 1985, the company is headquartered in Novato, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.